Educator Morbelys Cuéllar and her challenging journey through Colombia

After three years representing Cuba’s Ministry of Education in the educational mission in Colombia, the renowned educator from Sancti Spíritus—Dr. Morbelys Cuéllar Gutiérrez—has returned home and shares her experiences.

“We began there in May 2023, attempting to strengthen educational partnerships between Cuba and Colombia.”

What was that experience like?

It was truly an extraordinary experience, both professionally and personally. It was certainly tough being far from home and family, facing unfamiliar territory alone. It is always a significant challenge, but without a doubt, it was deeply enriching and rewarding to see how we opened doors and strengthened partnerships.

In your view, what were the main results of the educational mission?

We succeeded in finalizing a series of bilateral educational agreements between the two nations. This included an agreement with Colombia’s Ministry of Education—with whom we maintain an active relationship—which opened the door to cooperation on literacy programs for youth, adults, and the elderly through the implementation of the “Yo sí puedo” (Yes, I Can) literacy program developed in our country.

We also established partnerships with the National Training Service (SENA), the institution that coordinates all technical and vocational training—very similar to our own Technical and Professional Education system here in Cuba. We currently have a Memorandum of Understanding in place that has fostered partnerships and facilitated visits by leadership from both the Cuban and Colombian Ministries of Education, as well as exchanges between delegations from both countries that have paved the way for future initiatives.

Among all those cooperation agreements and shared learning experiences, could you highlight a specific one?

They are all truly important and have their own unique aspects, but one area of ​​particular interest was the postgraduate academic training of Colombians in Cuba.

We currently have a program underway with 16 Colombian doctoral students studying at the Central Institute of Pedagogical Sciences in Havana. It is a mentored training model, and I believe that, overall, many bilateral relationships in the field of education were strengthened.

Was there anything that particularly struck you during your time in Colombia?

I could mention many things, but the most important aspect for me was the outpouring of love and solidarity for Cuba shown by so many people.

The Solidarity with Cuba Movement there is strong and powerful; you can feel the immense love for our homeland. Seeing the Cuban flag and witnessing so many acts of solidarity while far from one’s own country—believe me, that is deeply gratifying.

Morbelys, you graduated in Special Education from the Félix Varela Higher Pedagogical Institute in Villa Clara. How important do you consider this training to be within your career in the education sector?

Special Education is very important to me; I would say it has shaped my professional path and left a lasting mark on my entire career as an educator. This is due to the sensitivity it fosters, the personal growth it offers, the humanism, the methodology and pedagogy, and the human spirit that distinguishes our level of education. Therefore, Special Education will always hold special value in everything I do in life.